Intravenous catheter connection point disinfection

Abstract

A system for disinfecting an intravenous catheter and/or other fluidic tubing includes attaching a device around the catheter and delivering a high dose of ultraviolet or other type of radiation to the catheter connection point and adjacent tubing. The device may include a UV radiation source connected to a catheter attachment assembly via fiber optic cable, allowing transmission of UV radiation from the source to an internal reflector unit. The UV source may be built into the catheter connection assembly. The device may be a handheld device that fits over a catheter connection point, with single or multiple integrated UV sources to deliver 360 degree radiation around the catheter, with mirrors to increase light delivery. The method involves controlled exterior irradiation of a catheter connection point to disinfect the lumen via transmitted light through the catheter wall. Commercially available catheters or those specially designed for passage of radiation may be used.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 61 / 123,613 filed Apr. 10, 2008, entitled “Intravenous Catheter Connection Point Disinfection,” which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This application is related to the field of medicine, and more particularly, to a device and method for preventing infectious complications of intravenous catheters. The device and method also has generally applicability to the sterilization of fluidics systems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Infections stemming from the use of intravenous catheters are a serious problem in today's hospitals. In the United States, roughly 200,000 patients every year suffer from nosocomial infections of central venous catheters, with significant resulting morbidity and mortality. The costs are large as well, with each incidence of central venous catheter infection estimated to cost roughly $20,000.[0004]Devices are known that address issues of disinfection / s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]According to the system described herein, a device for disinfecting fluidic tubing includes a fluidic tubing attachment assembly having an internal chamber, wherein the fluidic tubing attachment assembly is securable around fluidic tubing at the point of connection. A radiation delivery assembly is coupled to the fluidic tubing attachment assembly, wherein the radiation transmission assembly transmits a bactericidal dose of ultraviolet radiation (or other type of radiation) to the internal chamber of the tubing assembly. The fluidic tubing attachment assembly may be a catheter attachment assembly securable around a catheter tubing with a central connection point. The radiation delivery assembly may include at least one fiber optic cable and may include a base radiation source coupled to the at least one fiber optic cable. The radiation may include UV radiation. The radiation delivery assembly may include a radiation source integrated with the fluidic tubing attachment assembly. The device may be a hand-held unit. The fluidic tubing attachment assembly may transmit the radiation towards the fluidic tubing. The fluidic tubing attachment assembly may further include a radiation diffuser coupled to the radiation delivery assembly that diffuses the radiation and may include an internal reflector that amplifies the radiation. The device may be sealed to prevent leakage of radiation. The radiation delivery assembly may be coupled to at least one of: a battery and a plug as a power source. A companion base station may be included that recharges the battery. The fluidic tubing may include connection point materials optimized for permeability to the radiation used by the device. A controller may control intensity of the radiation.

Problems solved by technology

Infections stemming from the use of intravenous catheters are a serious problem in today's hospitals.

In the United States, roughly 200,000 patients every year suffer from nosocomial infections of central venous catheters, with significant resulting morbidity and mortality.

The costs are large as well, with each incidence of central venous catheter infection estimated to cost roughly $20,000.

While this device would be able to reach colonies of bacteria resting on the tip of the catheter inside the patient, by its invasive nature it brings a risk of contamination.

Capping with plastic caps or reattachment to a fluid source may be significant causes of contamination.

Maintenance of sterility in generic fluidics systems following detachment and reattachment poses similar problems.

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